Mechanical Technology

Mechanical Technology — July 2015

⎪

Structural engineering materials, metals and non-metals

⎪

afety of personnel and hygiene

continue to plague a number of

market sectors and cost compa-

nies thousands of Rands every

year in downtime and lost profits.

Andrew Mentis’ marketing manager,

Elaine van Rooyen, says, “Stainless steel

tube offers many advantages to the

manufacturing, petrochemical/chemi-

cal, food, beverage and pharmaceuti-

cal industries. Exhibiting high levels

of corrosion resistance, stainless steel

can be used in rigorous environments,

retaining strength at high temperatures.

Furthermore, its non-porous properties

offer a hygienic surface which, when

coupled with its easy cleaning ability,

makes stainless tube the primary choice

for applications that require strict hygiene

control, such as food and beverage pro-

cessing plants.”

The aesthetic appearance of its pol-

ished surface is not only an added ben-

efit, providing a modern and attractive

appearance for most architectural metal

applications, but stainless steel also

increases ease of maintenance and pro-

vides improved corrosion performance.

Hygiene and safety

with stainless steel handrailing

Andrew Mentis’ marketing manager, Elaine van Rooyen, describes

how two troublesome issues in industry, hygiene and safety, can be

addressed by using stainless steel handrailing.

Stanchions on the Andrew Mentis stainless steel handrails are 45 mm in diameter with a 2.0 mm wall

thickness and the 8.0 mm thick base plates are designed to allow moisture to drain from the stanchion.

Inset:

Stainless steel handrailing offers numerous benefits, including increased safety and hygiene.

This not only enhances the

extended life cycle and long

term value created by using

stainless steel for its corrosion

resistance, but since rusting

handrailing can be a major

factor in accidents, it also

increases the safety factor.

Handrails are expected to

meet both structural safety

and aesthetic requirements.

Traditional carbon steel, cast iron, and

aluminium handrails can deteriorate

quickly in exterior or industrial instal-

lations with aggressive pollution and/

or chloride exposure. Andrew Mentis

provides a variety of handrails in three

alternative grades: 3CR12, 304 and 316

stainless steels.

Stanchions on the Andrew Mentis

stainless steel handrails are 45 mm in

diameter with a 2.0 mm wall thickness

and base plates are designed to allow

moisture to drain from the stanchion

itself, adding to the corrosion resistant

benefits. The centre hole for the knee rail

is drilled and then flared on both sides.

The top is also flared and a half round

cap is welded into place. The base plate

is 8.0 mm thick and welded to the tube.

Hand-, knee-rail and bends are manu-

factured from 31.8 mm diameter tube

with a 1.5 mm wall thickness. Bends

and closures have swaged ends, improv-

ing speed of installation and preventing

moisture from penetrating into the joints.

“Typically, the more corrosion resis-

tant Type 316 stainless steel handrails

are the most cost effective choice in

demanding environments. They require

minimal maintenance, no paint or coat-

ing and provide safety and an attractive

appearance. The service life of carbon

steel and aluminium is typically limited

by corrosion damage, which reduces

structural integrity and appearance,” says

Van Rooyen.

In general applications, where cor-

rosion is not a big factor, stainless steel

handrailing can remain in situ with little

or no maintenance, for many years. In

more corrosive environments, for ex-

ample close proximity to the sea or in

locations with aggressive pollution and/

or chloride exposure, 316 stainless steel

provides major maintenance cost savings

over other handrail types.

“Customised advice by our team of

technical specialists ensures that the best

handrail material is selected for the cus-

tomer’s specific application. Factors such

as environmental conditions, amount of

human traffic and aesthetics come into

play and dictate the final product used.

Solutions for even the most arduous

conditions are available,” Van Rooyen

concludes.

Stainless steel handrailing

provides improved corrosion

performance resulting in longer

life and improved safety.